Gömeç Körfezi Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Quiet fishing village bay on the SE approaches to Edremit Gulf. Sand and mud bottom with good holding. Well-protected from the N, NE, and NW by the surrounding headlands. Exposed to S/SE. Excellent all-round quiet character — few visiting yachts.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Gömeç Körfezi is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–12m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (84m chain at 12m depth).
2. Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back — do not allow chain to pile on the anchor.
3. Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
4. Take a GPS bearing. Note your position once set and compare to the scope calculator to confirm you have adequate chain for the depth.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Rocna, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Gömeç Körfezi are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius before going below for the night.60m in the village fishing bay. Good Poyraz and meltemi protection from the N, NE, and NW. S/SE exposure remains — check forecast before overnight. Gömeç is an excellent gateway anchorage before entering the Edremit Gulf from the south, or a quiet stopping point after leaving Ayvalık northbound.

May–October. Low crowds year-round — one of the quieter spots in this region. Best May–June and September–October. The village has a winter fishing community that keeps it somewhat active year-round.

Navigation Hazards

• S/SE exposure — check forecast before overnight; southerly swell can enter the bay
• Fishing boat traffic in and out of the quay — give way and keep clear during morning and evening operations
• Limited facilities — provision in Ayvalık before arriving here

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Keep clear of local fishing boat moorings and the quay approach. No anchoring in the main channel.

For a full overview of Turkish anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Ayvalık town market (8nm)
• Restaurant: Village fish restaurant with the morning's catch — small and local; no menus in English
• Provisions: None on site — Ayvalık town market (8nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive late afternoon when the fishing boats return — the morning catch sells quickly from the quay
2. The village fish restaurant is the real thing — point at what you want and expect excellent freshness
3. A quiet and genuinely local alternative to the busier Akçay resort bay
4. Good staging point before crossing or entering Edremit Gulf — check Poyraz forecast before heading north